Even before he vacationed at the Jersey Shore last week, Jim Fassel was formulating his opening message to the Giants, who today report to the University at Albany for the start of training camp. Fassel isn’t sure which exact words he’ll use, but by now he knows the main point he wants to hammer home.

Play smart.

“That’s going to be the battle cry,” Fassel said. “If you’re not that way, with a young team, they can really fall apart on you and make all kinds of mistakes.”

Fassel is sure of a few things. He knows his team is faster and more athletic than past years, but also knows his roster is not comprised of the greatest talent. He knows few believe his club is any good and is certain he has to do the best coaching job of his career – and a pretty fair selling job – to make these Giants believe they can amount to something positive.

“I want this team to build confidence,” Fassel said.

Easier said than done. General manager Ernie Accorsi stated he’s sure the team that begins practice tomorrow morning is an improved squad from the one that labored last season to a 7-9 finish. Many outsiders do not agree and point to the loss of eight starters as reason for extreme concern. Accorsi argues that losing players from a non-playoff team is not necessarily a bad thing.

If anything, this training camp will provide daily “yeas” or “nays” on several fronts. Dhani Jones, with no career starts, moves into the outside linebacker spot owned the past six years by Jessie Armstead. Omar Stoutmire is the new free safety, and Owen Pochman replaces a future Hall of fame kicker, Morten Andersen. The offensive line is almost all new, with three first-year starters and Luke Petitgout moving from right to left tackle.

Jason Sehorn is coming back from a significant injury (this is not a recording). Ron Dayne is slimmer but still needs to do some heavy lifting with the ball. Ike Hilliard is coming off a second toe surgery, still smarting because he doesn’t have a new contract. Michael Strahan and Kerry Collins are entering the final year on their contracts. Kenny Holmes seeks to prove last year’s lousy showing was a fluke. Johnnie Lynn gets to show he can handle the promotion to defensive coordinator.

There figures to be plenty of storylines.

“All of us are filled with a lot of anticipation with this team,” Accorsi said. “It’s a different style team. It’s got speed, and I’m anxious to see ’em practice.”

There’s a chance no one will see the Giants’ top draft picks, tight end Jeremy Shockey and receiver Tim Carter, on the field for the first practice. Both remain unsigned and could be out for a day or two before agreements on their contracts are reached.

Figure Carter will get a deal averaging about $700,000 per year and receive a bonus in the $1.4 million range. Making things difficult with Shockey’s negotiations is that there are so few first-round picks signed.

Once all are aboard, Fassel’s task becomes one of a salesman. All the talk has centered around what the Giants do not have. Fassel must blunt that negativism, and all his words cannot have more impact than recent history. The Patriots are the defending Super Bowl champions, yet were considered non-contenders at this time a year ago.

“All you’ve got to do is have 22 guys who are committed,” said defensive tackle Keith Hamilton, the most senior Giants player, entering his 12th year with the team. “Do you think New England was the most talented team in the NFL? Not by far. This game has gotten away from who’s got the most talent. This game is about which 11 guys are going to play and not make mistakes. New England made a believer out of me.”